lundi 28 avril 2014

Dior is the very first high-end luxury brand I bought products from... and it was the summer of my 18th birthday. Almost 8 years ago now. I remember buying one of their eye shadow palette (purple and prune eye shadows), a lipstick (pink) and a blush (pink again). Since that day I've been a fan of the brand...

I can't even tell you how excited I was when I saw that this collection was available the very same day I went shopping. I had no idea it would be available that day which made this collection even more awesome to look at (and to buy some...)

I saw previews of the collection months ago and I was so impatient to be able to look, swatch and buy those gorgeous products.

What Dior says about this Summer 2014 Collection :

"On the bridge of an ocean liner blows the wind of liberty. Dior renews ties with the world of the great transatlantic crossings, inspired by the travel spirit of its first Resort and Spring line in 1948. The 2014 Summer Look unveils a cruise make-up collection : a palette of navy blue, primary red and sandy beige."

Now let's talk about the actual products this gorgeous collection has.

Like Dior says this is their first summery primer. It's supposed to give you that instant healthy tan looking skin base. After one week of application you should see a subtle natural looking coloring.

I unfortunately couldn't buy this product - that looked quite interesting to me. I am quite pale and matter of fact, I can't actually wear Dior foundations at all because they are always too dark for me. Even blended out this primer looked very unnatural on my skin.

However I would say that this is still a very nice product if you are looking for a progressive self-taning product, as well as a summery healthy looking face primer. You just need to have a darker complexion than me - which is very easy to have.

I swatched it and it blended out super nicely onto your skin and was extremely light weight.

The packaging is really nice and like their BB Cream, I like the pump system.

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The Diorksin Nude Shimmer.

2 shades are available : 001 Rose and 002 Ambre.

(54€ each)

These should give you a soft and fresh color on your cheeks. Like their name says, they are shimmery powders that capture the light and give you that summery glow. They also come with a small kabuki brush.

I didn't get any of the two just because I wasn't interested into them. Don't get me wrong they are very pretty products but I like my blush to be very pigmented. These won't give you an intense color, so if - like me - it's what you like : don't buy them.

They are a wash of color kind of powders. The lightest shade is definitely pink and the other one is like a super cheer light bronzing color. Both can be used as very soft blush, highlight or even bronzer depending on your skin tone.

That being said the packaging is absolutely gorgeous ! I mean look at that powder's pattern...

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Diorskin Nude Tan Transat Edition.

Comes in one shade : 001

(57€*)

This is supposed to be a shimmery golden highlight powder that can be used on your face, décolleté and even shoulders. This powder also comes with a small kabuki brush.

This is obviously a light gold highlight powder... and what a fantastic highlight it is indeed !!! This is the first product that I saw at the counter. I knew I had to have it ! It is so gorgeous !

This is perfect if you have a fair to medium skin tone. I can't say if - like Albatros by NARS - this could be a universal highlight powder that would also suit darker skin tones. I haven't tried on someone with dark skin so I'm not going to say something I really have no idea about. You'll probably have to try it on your own.

The packaging is the same as the Diorskin Nude Shimmer. And by the way I forgot to mention it but the closure is magnetic ! I already used it twice and this is definitely going to be my go to highlight powder for now.

Here is a swatch for you ! :)

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5 Couleurs Transat Edition.

2 palettes are available : 344 Atlantique and 564 Sundeck.

(57,50€ each*)

These palettes speak for themselves. One is cool toned and the other one warm toned. To me one represents the Sea (water, bright blue sky) through different tones of blue colors, the other one represents the Sun (sand, wood of a sundeck) through warmer tones of beige and orange colors.

The rigging of the middle eye shadow is beautiful and really complete the look of these palette.

I didn't get any of them but I almost bought the blue toned one. I just have so many blue eye shadows already that I told myself that it wasn't worth it. Also as a make-up artist these kind of palettes are kind of useless because you never take them with you on a make-up job.

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Diorshow Mono Transat Edition.

2 different colors : 261 Cabine and 541 Pavillon.

(35€ each*)

These are described as an ultramarine blue color and a sunny coral color. Can be worn for a beach day or for a night out in the city.

The Cabine color is definitely not an ultramarine blue color as you can see on the picture above. It's much more a of soft dark blue color that has a slight sheen to it. The Pavillon color is a nice coral color that does have some sunny gold undertone to it.

I wasn't interested about those specific colors (which once again I have many that are very similar).

The packaging is as always nice especially with the rigging pattern.

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Dioshow Iconic Overcurl Wtaerproof.

351 Bleu croisière.

(33,50€*)

The Diorshow Iconic Overcurl is the last mascara created by Dior. Its curved look should allow your lashes to be curled and be "stretched" to the limit.

I, once again , didn't care for this mascara. I know that this color will never look the same on the lashes as it looks on the promo picture.

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Diorshow Art Pen.

385 Bleu croisière.

(36€*)

The texture should be "gel-like" and should allow you to make the perfect winged out eye liner. It should also be very easy to remove with either warm water or make-up remover.

I did bought it because the color looked beautiful swatched on the back of my hand. But I have to say, I regret getting it because it might look great on the hand, however it's a lot different on the lids ! It's not pigmented and opaque enough. Adding to that it's a felt tip applicator and I hate those type of applicators... I have no idea why I bought it to be honest. I might have to work with a it a bit more before I make my final thought about it, but so far... 36€ wasted.

This is not a "gel-like" texture and once it's one it's on ! You absolutely can't remove it with warm water ! No way, Jose ! lol You need to use a make-up remover which thinking about it is not bad at all because at least it stays on.

Here is a swatch at the back of my hand, like this it's looks beautiful ! But on the eyes...

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Manucure Transat.

Comes in 3 colors : 750 Captain, 700 Sailor and 210 Yacht.

(30€ each*)

OMG... Those are AMAZING !!! I got the blue one 750 Captain and it's the best nail polish I've ever tried. It's completely opaque with only one coat on and has a gorgeous shiny finish to it. It dries quite fast too. They come with Christian Dior stickers that you can apply on top of the polish once it's completely dry. I tried applying them but it failed... lol

Dior has very recently changed the formula of their nail polishes and I have to say that it's a win. I'm currently wearing it while writing this review and I've had it on for 4 days. It's still perfect.

These lipstick are supposed to have a quite cheer consistency with a high shine and should be moisturizing on the lips. They are the perfect go-to lip product for a hot summer day.

I got the lightest shade in 211 Sunlight, at first I didn't think I'd get one of these because I don't like sheer lipstick at all. I'm a matte creamy opaque lipstick kind of gal. Ya know. :)

But an idea jumped into my mind and I asked myself if that specific light color could be used as a... highlight. Yes highlight on the cheeks and even for a cheer glossy effect on the lids. That was totally a make-up artist thought ! lol And guess what ? It works ! Looks great as a highlight on the cheeks and it happens to look fantastic on the lips.

It's is sooo moisturizing it's just so comfy to wear. It's a beautiful golden color with super fine sparkly things in it. :) I do believe the other shades don't have those sparkly thingies but they must be as moisturizing as Sunlight which make them perfect for this summer.

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Dior Addict Gloss - Limited Edition Summer 2014.

2 shades available : 412 Offshore and 642 Seafarer.

(30,50€ each*)

These should feel light weight on the lips and non sticky. 3 different formulas are available on the Dior Addict Gloss line : the high shine, lacquer finish and "pure" finish.

412 Offshore is definitely on the high shine side, it's a gorgeous gold color. 642 Seafarer is a beautiful red with lots of warm undertones to it, it has a lacquer finish but is quite opaque too.

I however didn't get any of these for whatever reason. lol

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Dior Addict Lip Maximizer - Limited Edition Summer 2014.

005 Fresh pink.

(36€*)

I choose not to talk about that product because it is honestly not that interesting at all to me. 36 for that... no thanks.

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So here it is ! This is the entire Dior Summer 2014 Transat Make-up Collection.

I do think this is a gorgeous collection that you should definitely check out as soon as you can !

Some of those products are really worth buying (nail polishes are a must have) and very few are not that interesting (to my opinion of course).

Dior really did a beautiful collection for this summer and I can't wait to see the Fall 2014 Collection (impatient... I know).

I hope that you guys enjoyed this review and please let me know if you got one of these products !

Tell me your thoughts about that collection and if you plan on buying anything if you haven't already.

jeudi 24 avril 2014

Here's a makeup look inspired by a summer-y sunset. Nothing crazy just me doing a smoky eye... You know how much I love my smoky eyes by now. :) I used mainly drugstore eye shadows to create that look, dupes can be found quite easily. (most of those products are only available in France - I included some dupes at the end)

mardi 22 avril 2014

"GLAMGLOW was originally designed for exclusive professional backstage use in Hollywood. In 2011, GLAMGLOW became available to consumers worldwide and is now one of the hottest brands in skincare. Known for fast-acting and innovative mud treatments, their patent-pending formulas combine real pieces of leaf with high-end technology to deliver instant, visible results."

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Let me start by saying that I have been wanted to try out those products for ages ! Ok maybe not for ages but for a couple of years now.
Because I live in France, and we all know France is ALWAYS late when it comes to launching products, I had to wait a long time to be able to try out those babies myself. I heard about them through youtube videos and many blogs and I really really wanted to try them out !

The brand GlamGlow became available in France back in September or October (I believe but I'm pretty sure it was around Fall) at Sephora stores. Only two of their products are currently available : the Supermud and the Youthmud. (They are launching the Brightmud Eye Treatment this Spring... still waiting for it and we are in April...)

Back then I really wasn't sure about buying those products because I simply wasn't super interested and they are not cheap. They both retail for the same price, which sounds at first really weird and unfair because they don't have the same amount of product in them at all.
The Supermud clearing treatment contains 34g/1.2fl.oz of product for 49,90€ taxes included (which is pretty much 50€ or 69$USD).
The Youthmud tinglexfoliate treatment contains 50g/1.7fl.oz of product for the exact same price : 49,90€.

Back in February, I finally decided to try out the Supermud clearing treatment. I bought the special deal they offered which was the full size of the Supermud + a mini size of the Youthmud (15g to be exact). It retailed for 49,90€/69$USD so I thought it was a great deal.

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The Supermud clearing treatment was the one that interested me the most because I heard people talking about it the most.

So here is what Glamglow says about it :

"A scientifically advanced SUPER-MUD clearing treatment to target, prevent, and heal problem skin." "This formula was clinically developed by GLAMGLOW dermatological chemists to help fight all common skin concerns including breakouts, discoloration, black and white heads, razor bumps, and in-grown hair. Powerful, skin-clearing mud visibly draws out dirt and congestion while a proprietary six-acid blend dramatically brightens and softens skin. It works to magnetically draw out dirt and pores with Activated-X Charcoal, leaving skin smooth and healthy-looking."

It is also formulated without parabens, sulfates and phthalates. It contains ACNECIDIC-6, Activated-X Charcoal, K-17 Clay and TEAOXI.

And here is the suggested usage :

- Apply a thin layer to clean skin

- Leave on for 5, 10, 15 or 20 minutes

- Pore-Matrix will reveal dots of vacuum extractions

- Remove with water

- Use as often as needed

- Use as a full mask or spot treatment

So what's my opinion about it and does it really work ?!

My answer is yes it works absolutely. I love that mud ! I apply it once a week all over my face and it really helps keeping my skin clear and zit-free. It prevents and helps the healing process too. I really like to apply it as a spot treatment whenever I want. It doesn't dry out my skin (I have normal to dry skin) and it leaves a clean and fresh feeling face. I have nothing negative to say about it. The Pore-matrix absolutely reveals dots of vacuum extractions which is kind of scary at first lol. You really don't need a lot of it to cover your entire face. It also really helps keeping my pores clean. The only 2 things I'd have to talk about and that can be a turn off for some of you are : - The smell... I personally have no issue with it but it is a strong smell ! Some people say it smells like foot cream or toothpaste. I'd say it smells a lot like mint. It's a super duper fresh smell to me. - The price. It is not on the cheap side. And as I said before it's the most expensive out of their face masks. Quality/quantity = less interesting. But I believe it's their most sold and popular product so the price always goes up with popularity. So at the end of the day, you know why it's more expensive. ps : Men can absolutely use it and I actually recommend it to them too. :)
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So about their Youthmud Tinglexfoliate treatment ?...

At first I really wasn't so much interested in it to be honest I got the special deal because I thought it would be a great opportunity to try out more for less $.

Here is what GlamGlow says about it :

"A 10-minute professional-quality mud mask for men and women." "This mud mask leaves skin noticeably radiant and glowing. It works with the body's natural moisturizing collagen to provide gentle resurfacing exfoliation and helps to leave skin smoother, brighter, and softer. While providing tighter skin texture and tighter pores, it provides a more youthful appearance and absorbs impurities without removing natural oils."

It is also formulated without parabens, sulfates and phthalates. It contains French Sea Clay, Volcanic Pumice Rock and Green Tea Leaf Pieces.

And here is the suggested usage :- Apply a thin layer to clean face (can also be used on the neck and chest)- Remove mask with water in circular motions to exfoliate- Use twice a week or as often as desired - Seal lid tightly- To re-liquefy, add drops purified water and stir.

My opinion and does it really work ?! My answer : ù%*$!,?"'&@#!!! YESSS YESSS AND YESSS ! OMG I love, adore that stuff !!! More than the Supermud. It is the best mask I've ever tried in my life and I'm not even kidding. I can't believe I thought I wouldn't like it that much. My skin has never looked and feel better now that I use it. I use it once to twice a week all over my face and down my neck. The first time I used it I was kind of worried but like it says it's a tinglexfoliate treatment so it will warm up on your face at first. Nothing to be worried about because after 5 minutes you don't feel anything anymore. And the more you use it the less you feel it warming up on your face. The smell is very different from the Supermud and most people won't be complaining about it. It has some green tea leaf pieces that will kind of make the application weird at first. My skin has dramatically changed since I started using it. My pores are tighter (after the first use it's like BAM !), my skin feels softer and looks brighter. I have normal to dry skin and I don't feel like this mud dries out my skin at all which can happen a lot when using that type of exfoliating mask. There is only one thing I think they should work on : a spatula. They say to re-liquefy it from time to time which I do but I have to do it with a small spoon because it doesn't come with a spatula. If you're gonna market your product with that indication, you NEED to put a spatula in the packaging. If not I don't think most people will care to add drops of purified water and stir.

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So now the most significant question that I need to answer to you guys :

Would I buy these GlamGlow products again ?

And Yes I would and I will. Absolutely ! Especially the Youthmud because it's just the sh*t. lol

The price for each of these is not on the cheap side but if you can afford it, definitely get them !

If I had to choose I'd buy the Youthmud over the Supermud. I actually bought the regular sized 50g/1.7fl.oz Youthmud once I finished the mini sized one.

I hope I'll be able to get my hands on their Brightmud Eye treatment as soon as it's released in France, hopefully very soon.

I wish I could try out their new Thirstymud Hydrating treatment but I'm not hoping for it to be available until *maybe* next Fall... :(

You can get these products here : http://www.glamglowmud.com/

That's it guys ! Hope you enjoyed this review. :) Let me know if you've tried some of the GlamGlow products and what you think about them. And if you haven't if you're interested in trying them out !